Former AC Milan and Brazil international footballer Alexandre Pato has praised Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s remarkable rise in Formula 1 while offering his perspective on the tensions between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at Ferrari. Speaking during the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix weekend in São Paulo, Pato expressed his admiration for the young Mercedes driver, revealed that he hopes to meet him personally and explained why he believes Ferrari’s internal disagreements are a natural part of competitive sport.
The Formula 1 paddock has arrived in São Paulo for the Brazilian Grand Prix, but heavy rain has created uncertainty ahead of qualifying. Persistent downpours have left drivers and supporters anxiously waiting to discover whether the scheduled session can proceed normally. Among the many guests visiting the garages to support the two Brazilian drivers currently on the grid was Alexandre Pato, the former AC Milan striker who also represented Brazil at international level.
During an extensive interview, the former footballer discussed several subjects close to his heart. From Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s emergence as an Italian Formula 1 world champion to his memories of playing in Serie A, Pato reflected on his enduring affection for Italy. He also shared his thoughts on the difficult relationship between Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
Alexandre Pato praises Kimi Antonelli and Brazilian F1 talent
Alexandre Pato began by expressing his excitement at attending the Brazilian Grand Prix, particularly with two home drivers representing the country on the Formula 1 grid. He also discussed his personal connection with one of the Brazilian competitors before turning his attention to Antonelli’s achievements with Mercedes.
“I’m really happy to be here watching Formula 1. It’s especially nice because we have two Brazilians on the track, and that’s important for our country. Hopefully the rain will stop now and qualifying can go ahead.
“I’ve known Rafa since he was racing alongside my children, and even back then you could see that he had something special. For us Brazilians, he’s a great source of pride.
“I’ve also seen what Kimi Antonelli is doing. I’ve watched some videos of him and I can’t wait to meet him in person. He’s still very young, but he’s already achieved extraordinary things, and I’m sure he can contribute so much to Mercedes and Formula 1.”
Pato’s praise comes during an exceptional period for Antonelli, whose achievements have attracted attention well beyond the Formula 1 paddock. The Mercedes driver has already spoken about the emotions of winning his first world championship and his determination to continue succeeding.
Alexandre Pato recalls AC Milan glory and his enduring love for Italy
The conversation then turned towards Italy, where Pato spent several important years of his football career. The former striker spoke warmly about his connection with the country, recalling his experiences at AC Milan and one of his most memorable performances against Inter.
“Italy will always be in my heart. I lived there for many years and even today I still feel very connected to your country. Just think, I’ve just eaten three different plates of pasta because I was incredibly hungry!
“Milan remains a fundamental part of my life. I remember that derby against Inter in which I scored two goals very well. In ten minutes, we had practically put the match beyond doubt. It was really wonderful.
“I hope Milan can experience moments like that again. I know it isn’t easy today because there have been so many changes, and when you have to rebuild a team, it takes time.
“I was fortunate enough to arrive in a squad that had just won the Champions League, so everything was easier for me. Now there are lots of new players, but I’m convinced Milan will become Milan again. I can’t say when, but I have faith.”
Although his playing career has taken him away from Italy, Pato’s affection for AC Milan remains evident. His reflections emphasised both the importance of the club in his personal history and his confidence that it can eventually return to the level of success he experienced.
Alexandre Pato backs Carlo Ancelotti to succeed with Brazil
Pato also expressed his admiration for Carlo Ancelotti, discussing the challenges facing the experienced Italian coach after taking charge of the Brazilian national team.
“I also have enormous respect for Carlo Ancelotti. He took charge of the Brazilian national team when the campaign was already under way, and it isn’t easy to work in those conditions. For me, he remains one of the best coaches in the world, and I’m sure he can do well.”
His comments reflected the respect he continues to hold for Italian football and the people associated with an important period of his career.
Alexandre Pato gives verdict on Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc Ferrari tensions
One of the most interesting subjects raised during the interview was Ferrari’s difficult situation in Formula 1. The relationship between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc has attracted considerable attention following their on-track disagreements, particularly after the controversial Mexican Grand Prix.
Pato believes that such tensions can arise naturally when two highly competitive sportspeople are determined to achieve the best possible results. Rather than interpreting the disagreements as evidence that either driver is deliberately working against the other, he expressed hope that both can succeed and help Ferrari return to winning ways.
“As for Ferrari, I know very well how important it is to Italians and how much love there is for the team all over the world. It isn’t an easy period, but I think that in sport, disagreements like those between Hamilton and Leclerc can happen.
“They are two drivers who want to achieve the maximum, and I don’t think either of them goes onto the track intending to harm the other. These are situations that can happen.
“I really hope they can both do well because I want to see Ferrari winning again.”
The former footballer’s assessment offers an understanding perspective on the situation, viewing the rivalry through the experience of someone who has competed at the highest level of another major sport. His comments come after Lewis Hamilton addressed the tensions with Charles Leclerc ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix.
Pato’s desire to see Ferrari succeed also reflects his strong personal attachment to Italy, where he developed some of the most memorable moments of his football career.
Alexandre Pato reveals he once owned a Ferrari 458
Continuing his reflections on Italian motorsport, Pato revealed that he previously owned a Ferrari 458. He also recalled Felipe Massa’s time in Formula 1 and admitted that he would not rule out buying another Ferrari in the future.
“I spent so much time in Italy that I feel a little Italian myself. Now you also have Kimi, who is doing incredibly well, and that’s something wonderful for your country.
“I also owned a Ferrari, a 458. I remember Felipe Massa from that period too. It was a beautiful car. I eventually sold it, and here in Brazil I’ve owned other cars. Maybe one day I’ll have another Ferrari, who knows?”
Between his admiration for Antonelli, his fond memories of AC Milan and his affection for Ferrari, Pato’s comments highlighted how closely his sporting experiences remain connected to Italy.
While the rain continued to create uncertainty around qualifying at Interlagos, the former Brazil international made clear that he was delighted to be back among his compatriots and to witness Formula 1’s latest generation of talent at close quarters.
Leave a Reply